Winston D. Munnings
Former Diplomat, Journalist, and Photographer
My journey into the intriguing realm of Photography commenced at the age of thirteen when I serendipitously discovered a vintage edition of the U.S. National Geographic Magazine on my uncle's favorite sofa. As I perused its glossy pages, adorned with an array of striking images, I became deeply fascinated. The magazine, celebrated for its exceptional iconic photography that captures the beauty and diversity of our planet, sparked a lifelong enthusiasm within me. Although this enthusiasm remained largely unexpressed for nearly three decades, it ultimately evolved into a committed pursuit.
After my first encounter with the National Geographic Magazine, my life took many turns during the 60s, 70s, and 80s, leading me down a path filled with varied interests and professional pursuits. Over nearly twenty years, I dedicated myself to the Diplomatic Service of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, where I had the honor of serving, at one point, as an Alternate Bahamas Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., from 1984 to 1986. However, my diplomatic career began ten years earlier (1974) as Third Secretary & Vice Consulattached to the Bahamas Embassy in Washington, D.C., six months after Independence ~ 1973.
My diplomatic career reached its peak, however, when I served as Head of Mission (1986-1993) at the Bahamas Consulate-General in Miami, retiring in 1993 as Consul General.
Alongside my diplomatic career, I spent several years working in journalism, both in the print and electronic media. I was fortunate to serve as a Staff Journalist with the Nassau Guardian, where I was the Bahamas-based Correspondent for United Press International (UPI) in the early 1980s. My work in the electronic media included roles as an Assistant News Editor (Television & Radio) at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, where I enhanced my storytelling skills and developed a keen eye for engaging narratives.
As I approached retirement from my diplomatic career, I felt a strong pull toward my long-held passion for Photography. I started formal studies at the New York Institute of Photography, earning a Diploma in Professional Photography. I then expanded my knowledge and skills at the respected Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (A School of Professional Studies), earning a Diploma in Applied Photography.
My primary focus has always been on Nature and Wildlife Photography. Still, I have been deeply inspired by the work of photographers like Gordon Parks, a personal friend and mentor, whose investigative eye captured the complexity of the human experience, and Ansel Adams, the iconic Landscape Photographer and Environmentalist known for his striking black-and-white images of the American West, especially those taken in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park. Additionally, I have been utterly captivated by the work of master photographer Yuan Li, whose expressive landscapes offer a stunning visual narrative that resonates deeply with me.
I am currently enjoying a semi-retired lifestyle, working part-time and balancing my career with my personal passions. Sometimes, I go on travel adventures, often looking for engaging writing and photography projects that fit my creative interests.
Originally from the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I find myself commuting between the vibrant energy of South Florida, the peaceful scenery of my homeland, and the lively atmosphere of Washington, DC. Each of these diverse places has dramatically influenced my perspective and enriched my artistic expression as I strive to capture life's essence through my camera. Whether it's the lush landscapes of the Bahamas, the bustling streets of Miami, or the historic landmarks of the nation's capital, I remain committed to exploring and documenting the world around me. Contact: [email protected] or leave a message at (305) 342-6668 anytime!
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This is a photo featuring Sports Reporter Phil Smith (R) and me on the news set during a Saturday evening ZNS-TV 13 broadcast in 1981.
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As a photographer, one of my most notable achievements was being selected as the cover story and featured in the September 2012 issue of the prestigious London-based ArtFlow Magazine.
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/447382
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This award-winning photograph of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels (below) also received ArtFlow Magazine's Annual Editor's Pick for 2012.
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In 2020, during the Coronavirus pandemic, I published a 68-page Photo Guide titled The View From My Window (Finding Beauty In Your Own Backyard), which focuses on photographing birds at a backyard bird feeder. For more details, please visit Https://bit.ly/3nhXN7s & Https://bit.ly/3YlGQbw